Two armed security guards patrolling the Oak Hill townhouse development in the 2800 block of Mathews Street were shot during a struggle at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, according to police.

Baltimore City Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld said a 32-year-old female guard suffered a single gunshot wound to the right eye. A male security guard, 38, was shot several times in the upper torso, according to police.

Bealefeld said both guards were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in serious condition.

The guards, who work for Assured Protection Security Agency, were patrolling the development when they encountered some “unknown individuals" and a struggle ensued, Bealefeld said.

Police don’t know what caused the struggle, or if any of the suspects were hit, but said they believe the male security guard fired return shots.

“We’re looking for witnesses in the neighborhood and we want to get the message out,” Bealefeld said. “We’ll certainly be checking area hospitals for anyone showing up there with gunshot wounds.”

Bealefeld said the townhomes have been a problem area in the past but have improved recently. He said police patrols lately have been focused two blocks west on Greenmount Avenue.

“For the most part the residents in this area work very well in concert with the police department, work very well in concert with the management office and we’re optimistic we’re going to get some help from residents about what went on here,” Bealefeld said.